Electronic communications are quickly becoming a primary way to socialize, network, deal with conflicts (or start them), find information, and build community. The possibilities continue to grow as sites like Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, Linkedin, and Second Life continue to expand. One unfortunate and inevitable outcome to all of this is high-tech communication being used for antisocial behavior A.K. A. cyber bullying. We have seen it pop up everywhere from elementary schools to the work place, and it can be just as detrimental as other forms of bullying and harassment especially because the bully tends to feel protected by the barrier of the internet.
Recently, I was told about a college discussion forum that’s sole purpose seems to have become cruel or inappropriate comments about college students and organizations, particularly, Greek life. With this site, peers have the ability to anonymously post malicious comments and form discussions that tend to stereotype particular sororities and fraternities. In many cases, students are ridiculed, isolated and mentioned by their full name. This online harassment has been greatly distressing for those who have been victimized. For obvious reasons, this site has become a problem for Greeks who now are forced to face the explicit remarks of anonymous cyber bullies.
The issue was raised in my sorority’s executive officer training as something that should be discouraged and dealt with in order to maintain peace in the chapter and on campus. The evil discussion forum was news to me, but for many it had been causing problems in their chapter for some time now. I know that stereotypes occur, rumors are spread, and anti-social behavior happens frequently, but I was shocked that an entire forum was dedicated to this inappropriate online bullying. I did not include the name of the site because I do not want to incidentally promote it, but I would advise that organizations beware of this new medium of victimization.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Addictive Behavior: Facebook
According to Dictionary.com, addiction is “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.” Parents and school teachers teach children about the dangers of drugs, and alcohol, and the detrimental results that can come from abusing drugs. However, there are few lectures given on the compulsive use of Facebook. With Facebook, there is no possibility of an overdose. It will not give you a hangover. It cannot cause heart problems, or brain damage, but Facebook can be addicting.
While researching addiction, I found that many symptoms of addiction seem to bare a striking resemblance to characteristics of Facebook use among college students. Addictive behaviors are compulsive and habitual, often brought on by some sort of trigger. Many college students use Facebook several times a day and often check their Facebook account every time they are in front of a computer, or for some, they may not even realize that they are logging on to Facebook because the behavior has become so routine. Addicts tend to feel anxious or unfulfilled if they are not participating in their addictive behavior. Avid Facebook users often feel upset, anxious, or frustrated when they do not have access to the internet or a computer because they feel the urge to be on Facebook. Addiction becomes a priority to the addict, and often interferes with other responsibilities causing career difficulties and relationship distress. Facebook is often used as a procrastination tool and takes precedence to homework, and other responsibilities.
The similarities in addictive behaviors and Facebook use are uncanny. Although Facebook is not a drug and is not physically addictive, for some, Facebook use is clearly becoming compulsive. As my research from my presentation on addiction shows, addiction can be detrimental to a person’s relationships, education, career, and physical well-being. Because college students make up the majority of Facebook users, addictive behavior and social networking is something that should not be taken lightly.
While researching addiction, I found that many symptoms of addiction seem to bare a striking resemblance to characteristics of Facebook use among college students. Addictive behaviors are compulsive and habitual, often brought on by some sort of trigger. Many college students use Facebook several times a day and often check their Facebook account every time they are in front of a computer, or for some, they may not even realize that they are logging on to Facebook because the behavior has become so routine. Addicts tend to feel anxious or unfulfilled if they are not participating in their addictive behavior. Avid Facebook users often feel upset, anxious, or frustrated when they do not have access to the internet or a computer because they feel the urge to be on Facebook. Addiction becomes a priority to the addict, and often interferes with other responsibilities causing career difficulties and relationship distress. Facebook is often used as a procrastination tool and takes precedence to homework, and other responsibilities.
The similarities in addictive behaviors and Facebook use are uncanny. Although Facebook is not a drug and is not physically addictive, for some, Facebook use is clearly becoming compulsive. As my research from my presentation on addiction shows, addiction can be detrimental to a person’s relationships, education, career, and physical well-being. Because college students make up the majority of Facebook users, addictive behavior and social networking is something that should not be taken lightly.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Second Life: A Breeding Ground for Crazy
In light of my recent experience with Second Life, I would like to reflect on my reactions to this virtual world. Though Second life is the primary choice for virtual world users and allows for nearly endless possibilities for its members, I did not see it as a beneficial way to socialize. In fact, my experience was very uncomfortable. My concern is that Second Life users are able to interact to the great extent without ever actually knowing what the person they are forming a relationship with is like. I think that this has the potential to be very dangerous.
I was able to find an online forum that discusses one scenario for when Second Life becomes dangerous. For Kimberly Jernigan’s virtual boyfriend, a Second Life relationship proved to be detrimental when Kimberly stalked and attempted to kidnap her virtual man. She broke into his home with a roll of duct tape, a BB gun, handcuffs, a taser, and her dog who she then bound with the duct tape to maintain quiet for her virtual boyfriend’s return home. Fortunately, no one was harmed and Kimberly is now facing several criminal charges (“MMORPG”). The article makes me wonder if Second Life is responsible for such outrageous behavior. This is addressed in a comment related to the article which states, “I’m not saying the Second Life created this kind of crazy, but it’s a breeding ground for this kind of crazy.” (Raltar, MMORGG) I don’t think that I could have said it better myself. The point is that some virtual world relationships can be dangerous if they are carried over into the real world.
The extensive development of Second Life and its high population of members from all over the world Second Life make Second Life a prime medium for online victimization which is especially dangerous is information is being shared. Second life provides privacy for its members, but it is up to those users to use this discretion. While using Second Life for class, I decided to not create a profile or to expose any personal information, but I still did not feel comfortable interacting with virtual strangers.
Related Link: http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm?post=2318383&bhcp=1#2318383
I was able to find an online forum that discusses one scenario for when Second Life becomes dangerous. For Kimberly Jernigan’s virtual boyfriend, a Second Life relationship proved to be detrimental when Kimberly stalked and attempted to kidnap her virtual man. She broke into his home with a roll of duct tape, a BB gun, handcuffs, a taser, and her dog who she then bound with the duct tape to maintain quiet for her virtual boyfriend’s return home. Fortunately, no one was harmed and Kimberly is now facing several criminal charges (“MMORPG”). The article makes me wonder if Second Life is responsible for such outrageous behavior. This is addressed in a comment related to the article which states, “I’m not saying the Second Life created this kind of crazy, but it’s a breeding ground for this kind of crazy.” (Raltar, MMORGG) I don’t think that I could have said it better myself. The point is that some virtual world relationships can be dangerous if they are carried over into the real world.
The extensive development of Second Life and its high population of members from all over the world Second Life make Second Life a prime medium for online victimization which is especially dangerous is information is being shared. Second life provides privacy for its members, but it is up to those users to use this discretion. While using Second Life for class, I decided to not create a profile or to expose any personal information, but I still did not feel comfortable interacting with virtual strangers.
Related Link: http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm?post=2318383&bhcp=1#2318383
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